Germany's [Images] Markus Winkelhock also had a difficult start to his first weekend as a full Formula One race driver, clocking the slowest lap of the session in his Ferrari-powered Spyker. He was 4.6 seconds off Hamilton's pace.

Winkelhock, son of late Formula One driver Manfred, is taking over from Christijan Albers for Sunday's race after the team ended the Dutchman's contract over non-payment of sponsorship money.